There are so many reasons that I love living in New England. We have an endless supply of adventures waiting for us, all within a reasonable distance. We have the ocean, mountains, country, cities, and so much more. And the best part? There are so many things to do with our kids. This is my ultimate New England Bucket List that includes all of the things that are worth doing with your kids before they grow up.
Central Massachusetts
- Visit the Discovery Museum in Acton. Make sure to grab lunch at Nan’s Kitchen & Market after your visit.
- Spend the afternoon eating at the Worcester Public Market. Once you have had your fill, make sure you walk over to The Queen’s Cups for a sweet treat.
- Watch a show at the Hanover Theater.
- Try to catch a ball during a WooSox game at Polar Park.
- Learn about history at Old Sturbridge Village. On your way home, stop by Brush It Off to create a work of art.
- Spend an afternoon at Nashoba Winery, Broken Creek Vineyard, Tree House Brewing Company, or Wachusett Brewery.*
- Pick apples at Tougas Family Farm, Lanni Orchards, or Red Apple Farm.
- Check out the best local kid’s play centers: Let’s Bee Kids, Jam Time, Launch, and The Little Gym.
Massachusetts
- Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston before grabbing a bite to eat in the North End.
- Go on a Duck Tour, visit the Boston Children’s Museum, and check out the Museum of Science.
- Visit Salem in October for all the spooky vibes.
- Head to the Cape and Islands. Go mini-golfing at Pirates Cove, ride the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs, and enjoy the Christmas Stroll on Nantucket.
- Plan a solo or friend’s weekend at Kripalu. Pair it with a concert at Tanglewood.*
- Learn about history at Plimoth Patuxet.
- Visit the flagship Yankee Candle Store on your way to the Dr. Seuss Museum.
- Take in a game at Fenway, preferably when the Red Sox play the Yankees.
Connecticut
- Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium. Make sure to grab ‘a slice of heaven’ from Mystic Pizza while you are in town.
- Head to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. On your way back, be sure to walk (or swim) at Sherwood Island State Park.
- Go for a ride on the Essex Steam Train or Riverboat.
- Take the kids for an adventure straight out of Jurassic Park at The Dinosaur Place.
Rhode Island
- Take the ferry to Block Island for a long weekend.
- See the wildlife at Roger Williams Park Zoo.
- Take a tour of the Newport Mansions – they are beautiful year-round, and even more so during the holiday season.
- Pick your own flowers at Wicked Tulips in the spring.
- Discover WaterFire in Providence.
Vermont
- Learn all about Ice Cream at Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
- Bring the catalog to life by visiting the Vermont Country Store.
- Be a real leaf peeper by finding your way to Woodstock VT in the fall.
- Take a long weekend to visit Burlington. Don’t miss an extra trip to the Champlain Islands while you’re there.
- There is no shortage of ski towns to visit with the kids. Hit the slopes at Smugglers’ Notch, Killington, or Stowe (be sure to stay at the Trapp Family Lodge).
New Hampshire
- Get immersed in winter at the New Hampshire Ice Castles.
- Skip Disney and head to Story Land for a magical day or three.
- Find “Pure Joy” at Santa’s Village.
- Spend a long weekend at Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Enjoy the outdoors at Franconia State Park.
Maine
- Walk along the Marginal Way in Ogunquit.
- Spend the day in Portland. Don’t forget to grab a great photo at a local lighthouse.
- Visit Acadia National Park for some of the most gorgeous vistas in New England.
- Walk along the waterfront in Portsmouth.
- Head to Splashtown USA for some good waterpark fun with the kids.
Those with a * are perfect just for the grown-ups.
Tell us – what else is on YOUR New England Bucket List! Be sure to tag @CentralMassMom as you visit these amazing places.
